How to Set Up Apple CarPlay & Android Auto in Your Car

Connect your phone to your car's screen for hands-free navigation, music, calls, and messages while driving.

At a Glance

Check if your car supports it

~18s

Most cars made after 2016 support CarPlay (iPhone) or Android Auto. Check your car's infotainment screen for a CarPlay or Android Auto icon, or check your owner's manual. Some older cars can be upgraded with an aftermarket head unit. CarPlay requires iPhone; Android Auto requires an Android phone running Android 8.0 or later.

Connect your phone

~28s

Wired: Plug your phone into the car's USB port using your charging cable. Your car screen should show CarPlay or Android Auto automatically. Wireless: If your car supports wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, go to your car's Bluetooth settings and pair your phone. Then enable wireless CarPlay (iPhone: SettingsGeneralCarPlay → select your car) or Android Auto (open the app → tap your car).

Quick Tip

Even if your car supports wireless, using a USB cable gives a more stable connection and charges your phone at the same time.

Navigate with Maps

~19s

Tap the Maps icon on your car screen. You can say "Hey Siri, navigate to [address]" (CarPlay) or "Hey Google, take me to [address]" (Android Auto) for hands-free navigation. The turn-by-turn directions appear on your car screen with voice guidance. Your phone's Maps app runs in the background. You can also start navigation on your phone before connecting.

Play music and make calls

~21s

Tap the Music icon to play from your phone's music app (Apple Music, Spotify, etc.). Use the car's volume knob or steering wheel controls to adjust volume. For calls: tap Phone on the car screen, or say "Hey Siri/Google, call [name]." Incoming calls appear on screen — tap to answer. Text messages are read aloud and you can dictate replies hands-free.

Customize your CarPlay/Auto layout

~19s

CarPlay: On your iPhone, go to SettingsGeneralCarPlay → tap your car → rearrange apps by dragging them. Android Auto: Open the Android Auto appSettingsCustomize launcher → reorder your apps. You can also set preferences for which Maps app to use by default and whether to auto-launch when connected.

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